The Psychology of Terrorism

by John Horgan

To understand the psychology of those who engage in terrorism, John Horgan draws on interviews with terrorists and analyzes current evidence to argue that only by asking the right questions about this complex problem, and by answering them with evidence, can we truly begin to understand the nature of terrorism and respond effectively. Consequently this book presents a critical analysis of our existing knowledge and understanding of terrorist psychology, and in doing so, highlights the substantial shortcomings and limitations of the nature and direction of current research. This new volume presents a unique model of involvement and engagement in terrorism by considering it as a process and exploring three distinct phases of the making of a terrorist: becoming involved, remaining involved (or 'being' a terrorist), and leaving terrorism behind. Despite the ongoing search for a terrorist personality, the most insightful and evidence-based research to date not only illustrates the lack of any identifiable psychopathology in terrorists, but demonstrates how frighteningly 'normal' and unremarkable in psychological terms are those who engage in terrorist activity.
By producing a clearer picture of the complex processes that impinge upon the individual terrorist, a different type of terrorist psychology emerges, one which has controversial implications for efforts at countering terrorism in today's world.
The book concludes with what this new psychology of terrorism means for understanding the terrorist and highlights what both researchers and the broader community can do to realistically engage the terrorist threat.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Terrorism, Politics, Science, International Relations

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2002

About the author

JOHN HORGAN is a science journalist and Director of the Center for Science Writings at the Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey. A former senior writer at Scientific American (1986-1997), he has also written for The New York Times, Time, Newsweek, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, The New Republic, Slate, Discover, The London Times, The Times Literary Supplement, New Scientist, and other publications around the world. He blogs for the Center for Science Writings and for Bloggingheads.tv (see links at left).

His latest book is Rational Mysticism: Dispatches from the Border Between Science and Spirituality, published in hardcover by Houghton Mifflin in January 2003 and in paperback by Mariner Books in March 2004.

Reviews

[Dr. Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this work is well presented with a lot of supporting facts and documentation, the title is somewhat of a misnomer. The fact is, as pointed out by the author, there is no true specific 'psychology of terrorism' per se. That is to say the ready made silver bullet profile sought by so many is nonexistent due to the enormous variety in human personality. The author has very strong opinions, many of them justified, and does not hesitate to express his criticism of other in the field who have attempted to explain this phenomenon largely through simplistic explanations which lack crdible quantitative data and profound research. In the authors view, in depth research has been supplanted by expediency, and in some respects he is correct. This is, however, somewhat an oversimplification in my own view. Horgan, examines the three most basic and well known strategies for examining the terrorist typology, notably: engagement, commitment (remaining after committing)and disengagement. He represents well the important analytical factors revolving around the 3 main actors: The terrorist, the immediate target and the end target. Ultimately the focus of research proposed by Horgan reposes more upon an approach resembling that of organizational management than psychological theory. If the reader bears these things in mind, they will be less disappointed (given the title). In the final analysis, do not to expect to find any startling or revealing truths. The one truth that Professor Horgan does point out is that there is in fact no real truth when it comes to creating a psychological profile of the terrorist. This is not surprising in and of itself, since the variables involved with why a person becomes a terrorist are as varied as the particular idiosyncrasies of individuals themselves. Despite my minor reservations, this book contributes to the literature, clarifies a much maligned field; that of psychology, and does provide some important and interesting insights and I would recommend it for furthering ones knowledge of the processes involved, as well as for some of the interesting and informative insights that the author provides. John Horgan knows what he is talking about and does not hold back his punches; he calls it as he sees it, and that is a refreshing break in a field where all too often individuals tend to merely pile erudite opinions atop or baseless speculation and poor research. Hopefully, John's important study will amplify greater efforts at more credible and profound research, a wish that he clearly state in his summary. A final point for a text on psychology the book makes for easy and stimulating reading and I would recommend his title to all students of political science, psychology, abnormal and criminal psychology, criminal justice, national security, conflict resolution and the intelligence and counterterrorism fields.

[Jens · Rating 2 out of 5]

Also read this for the class "Terrorist Cells - Infiltrating and disrupting terrorist networks." Arguments were poorly organized and he referenced other obscure academic works ad nauseam.

[Mark Isaak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much of this book consists of clearing out the weeds that infest the field of research about terrorism. Key terms (including "terrorism") are poorly defined; some writers assumed terrorists were pathological, and most others accepted that assumption uncritically; the relative scarcity of data for such a complex and politicized subject leads people to substitute profound-sounding metaphors for actual research; etc. Those parts alone make the book vitally important for anyone doing further research. The main messages may be summarized quickly: Terrorists are unremarkable; terrorism includes multiple aspects, all of which are complex; it may perhaps be profitably approached by considering the processes terrorists undergo, which may be grouped in terms of involvement, engagement, and disengagement. There are no simple answers to be found, and generalities are never all that general. Horgan tells of another terrorism researcher who noted that the better the study, the more muddled the findings. I would not describe Horgan's book as "muddled" exactly, but it will not satisfy people looking for clarity of the whole subject. It should, however, serve as a solid starting point for further research in the field.

[Roman Schlichter · Rating 2 out of 5]

How many terrorist books can I read before I get put on Homeland Security's Watch list? The book itself was quite repetitive, not much variation of perspective. Everyone who was interviewed also seemingly could have had other incentives for answers. Good introduction to terroristic mentality, not much more.

[Yassir Morsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading John Horgan's 2005 book, "The Psychology of Terrorism," was both refreshing and challenging for me at times. As someone who has had to navigate through the many weaponised discourses of terrorism, finding a text that pushes beyond conventional psychological approaches was hopeful, but also, I found myself frustrated that much of the things said needed to be said. That’s on me, though, and not on Horgan.
For example, in "Individual Approaches," Horgan's critique of the singular focus on the individual psychology of terrorists resonated with me. His call for integrating strategic and ideological factors into our understanding highlighted a complexity I had often sensed in the way mainstream discussions focus on the causes of terrorism – often through a racialised and highly moralised condemnation..
Delving into the chapters "Becoming a Terrorist" and "Being a Terrorist," I was drawn into the intricate research processes of terrorist involvement. Horgan's exploration of the motivations and pathways leading individuals to terrorism and their roles within terrorist organisations strengthened the book's central premise, the issue's diversity and complexity. His emphasis on detailed, context-specific studies acknowledged the multifaceted nature of terrorism was welcomed
I appreciate Horgan's attempt to bring in multiple factors, but I wanted him to stress perhaps more that understanding and predicting terrorism cannot be an exact science. The book's conclusion, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach blending psychological and criminological perspectives, reinforced this belief. It reminded me that while we can strive for a deeper, more integrated understanding of terrorism, the path to effective counter-terrorism measures is fraught with uncertainties and are often just politically motivated policies
Ultimately, Horgan's book is a journey into the complex world of terrorism. It critically examines the subject, encouraging a more holistic and informed approach. This book could potentially educate many and challenge us to think beyond the stereotypes and simplistic narratives that often dominate discussions about terrorism. However, if I am honest, it does not introduce or say much more

[Rob de W · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the wake of 9/11, there was a rush of literature published regarding terrorism and violent political activism.

The book is split into two distinct sections:

(i) Defining Terrorism & Previous research.

(ii) An analysis on the ‘Before’, ‘During’, & ‘After’ joining a terrorist group and an attempt to construct a holistic ‘process model of terrorism’.

The majority of the first section deals with the very real and deceptively difficult task of defining what terrorism is. Schmid's (2000) definition is used as a placeholder definition but the fact that terrorism is near impossible to define means that the second half falters in trying to create a defined process model for an undefined entity.

A unique gripe I had with this book was the length of some of the sentences. Sentences often exceed the 50 word mark which made reading comprehension a bit more taxing than it needed to be. At one stage, I counted 89 words in a single sentence.

Ultimately an alright introduction, and in a time where there was an explosive (oops) interest in terrorism, it would have been a decent resource but having been written in 2005, it did not (and could not) comment on newer forms of terrorism such as the rise of Child Terrorists, Cyberterrorism, and even Terrorist ‘states’ such as ISIS. Admittedly there is a 2014 updated edition which I have not read yet.

[Benjamin Linzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overall assessment of the contributions of psychology to terrorism research.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good overview re terrorism. Horgan is the go to researcher in this space.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horgan gives a balanced perspective to the often politically clouded world of terrorist literature. His insight into the psychology of terrorism is up there with Crenshaw and Silke - he focuses on the group dynamics of terrorism, and emphasises the normality of terrorists whilst making sure to point out the extraneous variables.
If you are particularly interested in the PIRA he has a lot of material on them.
This book was the launch pad for all 4 chapters of my thesis - this book is a great place to start!